This information has been taken directly from the FLI's website:The work
of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) focusses on farm animal health
and welfare and on the protection of humans from zoonoses, i.e.
infections which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The FLI does
basic and applied research in different scientific fields, such as
physiology, ethology, epidemiology, immunology, virology, bacteriology,
parasitology, and related sciences.

Our work aims at: the prevention of diseases by developing and improving
rapid diagnostics and prophylactic measures, providing the background
for modern control strategies for animal diseases and zoonoses,
improving farm animal husbandry in compliance with animal welfare,
preserving the genetic diversity of farm animals and supporting the
efficient utilisation of animal feed as basis for the production of high
quality animal-based foodstuffs.

As a federal research institute and independent higher federal authority
under the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer
Protection, the FLI has a consultative function which helps provide the
scientific basis for political decision-making. The institute performs
epidemiological investigations during outbreaks of animal diseases. The
institute also prepares risk assessments on various infectious diseases
of farm animals.

The institute works as national Licensing Authority for products that
are not destined for application in animals (in vitro diagnostics).
Furthermore, the FLI scientifically supports the competent authorities
on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, article
20, regarding the protection of animals at the time of killing.

At present, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut has approximately 900
employees in eleven institutes at six locations.